Hakkinen continues roll

   Copyright c 1998 Nando Media
   Copyright c 1998 Associated Press

SILVERSTONE, England (Jul 11, 1998 - 11:21 EDT) -- Mika Hakkinen of McLaren
won the pole for Sunday's British Grand Prix -- his sixth of the season --
with the No. 2 starting spot going to Ferrari's Michael Schumacher.

Hakkinen, the series leader with 50 points, followed by Schumacher (44) and
McLaren's David Coulthard (30), was timed in 1 minute 23.271 seconds,
almost a half-second ahead of Schumacher's 1:23.720 on Saturday.

Jacques Villeneuve in a Williams -- the defending series champion and
winner of the past two British GPs -- was third at 1:24.102. It was his
best qualifying effort in a season that's yet to yield a top-three finish.

Coulthard, who has won the other three poles this season, was fourth for
McLaren at 1:24.310, followed by Eddie Irvine in a Ferrari and Heinz-Harald
Frentzen in a Williams.

Damon Hill, the 1996 series champion, took seventh in a Jordan for Sunday's
60-lap race on the Silverstone circuit.

Hakkinen has won four of the eight races this season but hasn't won since
the Monaco Grand Prix in late May and his lead has slipped from 22 to six
points.

The McLaren team has had mechanical problems in recent races --
specifically fuel problems for Coulthard in the French Grand Prix two weeks
ago.

"I guess it (mechanical problems) are a worry for every team,"
Hakkinen said. "It's impossible to start thinking about the problems
that could happen.

"We have worked very hard since the last race to understand the
problem and improve the car. I would be surprised if we experienced
problems again."

Rain is forecast for Sunday, suggesting Schumacher could have an advantage
because of his strong wet-weather record, a notion he dismissed.

"We have been good so far in mixed circumstances, taking a decision on
which way to go," Schumacher said. "We've been lucky ...

"If it's clear what the circumstances are, all of us can drive well in the rain.

"The point is how good the Bridgestone or Goodyears (tires) are.
That's something we haven't seen so far in real wet circumstances."

Villeneuve was happy to be back in the top three -- even if it was just qualifying.

"I didn't remember my way back here, the first time this year,"
the Canadian said. "It's good to finally get back for something.

"The car has been stronger. We could have put our nose closer to
Michael with a perfect lap. That's the first time this season we've had a
package strong enough to fight like that."

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